Embark on a private sailboat adventure in New York City with Empire Yacht Charters. Enjoy personalized waterway tours, stunning skyline views, and a luxurious experience tailored just for you. Discover why this boat tour is a top outdoor activity in NYC!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; comfortable seating and moderate activity involved
Wildlife
History
The waterways of New York have played a vital role in the city's development, serving as trade routes and hubs for maritime activity since the 17th century.
Conservation
Empire Yacht Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices by minimizing emissions and promoting responsible boating to protect NYC's waterways.
Empire Yacht Charters
Embark on a private sailboat adventure in New York City with Empire Yacht Charters. Enjoy personalized waterway tours, stunning skyline views, and a luxurious experience tailored just for you. Discover why this boat tour is a top outdoor activity in NYC!
Empire Yacht Charters is a New York City–based provider of private sailboat and yacht experiences that operate on the Hudson River and New York Harbor. The company offers a curated range of private cruises, including sunset sails, daytime excursions, themed movie nights, proposal packages, and seasonal trips such as a Palisades sail.
Many experiences take place aboard a classic Hinckley sailboat and a restored 1960s yacht, providing a balance of modern comfort and vintage character.
Captain Andy leads select voyages, bringing hands-on sailing expertise and personalized route planning to each charter. Catering options and curated dining are available to customize celebrations, proposals, romantic evenings, and group outings. Empire Yacht Charters emphasizes tailored itineraries, private bookings, and small-group capacity to create intimate, memorable trips for guests.
Having been featured on The Adventure Collective, Empire Yacht Charters is presented to travelers seeking private, local-guided sailing adventures in New York City. Descriptions of offered trips highlight key landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline, ensuring guests experience iconic views from the water.
Bookings are structured as private charters with defined trip themes—Sunset Sail, City Lights Cruise, Daytime Cruise, Sailboat Charter, Palisades Sail, Romantic + Proposal Sail, and the MOVIE NIGHT SPECIAL—each designed for small groups and customizable with food and route preferences. This focus on private bookings, experienced captains, and classic vessels positions Empire Yacht Charters as a specialized option for those seeking personalized sailing experiences in NYC.
Reservations are available year-round subject to vessel availability online.
Location
New York, NY
Sails from NYC waters
Capacity
Up to 6 guests
Intimate private charters
Trips Offered
7 experiences
Variety of private sailings
Vessels
Hinckley + 1960s yacht
Classic and restored boats
Reserve a Sunset Cruise, Proposal Sail, or Movie Night Special aboard classic vessels and enjoy iconic skyline views with a dedicated captain.
Arrive early for the best views
Getting to the dock early allows you to enjoy the calm waters and optimal lighting for photos.
Bring layers for changing weather
Weather on the water can shift; packing layers ensures you stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Secure your belongings
Keep valuables close or stowed safely to prevent losing anything overboard.
Book in advance for peak seasons
Sailing experiences tend to fill up quickly during summer and holidays, so reserve early.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during daytime sailing trips.
summer
Windbreaker or light jacket
Keep warm and shield against wind while on deck.
spring|fall|winter
Sunglasses
Reduce glare and protect your eyes from sunlight reflecting off the water.
summer
Camera or smartphone with waterproof case
Capture stunning city and waterway views without worry of water damage.